Tokyo's Coolest Sound

hitomitoi's latest album "The Memory Hotel" (2015), a mysterious fiction musical journey, is being released on vinyl! This comes as a set of one LP plus one 7", which include all 10 songs from the album.

hitomitoi "The Memory Hotel" (LP+7")
一十三十一 「The Memory Hotel」

LP
A1. Overture
A2. The Memory Hotel
A3. sono me wa, Hypnotic
A4. Mystery Train
B1. bō-kyaku-hi-kō
B2. Mon Fatal Amour
B3. Lonely Woman
B4. Labyrinth ~kaze no machi de~

7"
C. Surrenderer
D. Canaria kibun de

Billboard Records HBRV-1009
Out 1/4, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Labyrinth ~kaze no machi de~"

The first release of 2017 is a brand new single by trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde! Check out the video below, and this official comment by band leader Matsunaga Temma.

"This is URBANGARDE. We're releasing a single after 4 and half years. Surprisingly, during the last few years that we didn't release any singles, humankind has gone extinct. The era of social media has dissociated human lives and divided them into angels (tenshi) and devils (akuma)... To those of you who used to be human, to those who live insecure days like ghosts, We will show your true shape through music. You are devils to the very end."

The single comes in two editions, a limited edition with a bonus DVD including two music videos and a live show of 8 songs, and a regular edition of the CD only with bonus instrumentals.

Amazon gives away an exclusive promo 3-song acoustic CD (while supplies last), and for those in Japan, Tower Records (ships to Japan only) offers a bonus DVD of a 60-minute show titled "Gasmask Party" held in December 2015, where all performers and audience had to wear gas masks.

Urbangarde's next upcoming big show is a one-man event to be held on May 6, 2017 at Daikanyama Unit, following the same in Osaka on May 4.

Urbangarde "Akuma des Akuma"
アーバンギャルド 「あくまで悪魔」
(Japanese title: "akumade akuma")

Regular edition CD
1. Akuma des Akuma
2. Tenshi ni Shiyagare
3. Akuma des Akuma (Instrumental)
4. Tenshi ni Shiyagare (Instrumental)

Limited edition CD
1. Akuma des Akuma
2. Tenshi ni Shiyagare

Limited edition DVD (Region 2 NTSC)
1. Akuma des Akuma (Music Video)
2. Akuma des Akuma (Dance Video)
3. Femme Fata Fantasy (Music Video)
Live Performance from "Utsu Fes" @ Tsutaya O-East
4. Onepiece Shinjuu
5. Kuchibiru Democracy
6. Femme Fata Fantasy
7. Shinjuku Mon Amour
8. Hako Otoko ni Kike
9. Daihakai Koukyougaku
10. Tokai no Alice
11. Yameru Idol

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Fabtone Records FBAC-010
Out 2017/1/4, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD with bonus instrumentals)
Fabtone Records FBAC-011
Out 2017/1/4, ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Akuma des Akuma"

"Femme Fata Fantasy"

Band D.A.N., formed in August 2014, has a new digital EP out now! The whole was mixed by Aoki Takamasa and mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori.

The title track almost 8-minute long! Its video clip shows young people spending a night in Tokyo, featuring Milo Oyamada (son of Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius)) among others. Watch it below!

D.A.N. "SSWB"

1. SSWB
2. Native Dancer (Albino Sound Remix)
3. Dive (Albino Sound Remix)

SSWB / Bayon Production
Out now (12/23)
Sample/buy: , OTOTOY

"SSWB"

Jazz singer Hamada Maron has a new single out now, and it's produced by Sunaga Tatsuo! Featured are members of instrumental jazz band TRI4TH. The B-side is "mirei Butterfly", recently featured on Sunaga Tatsuo's "yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All the young dudes" compiliation.

A full-length album titled "Lady Monochrome" is planned for release on January 25. Stay tuned!

Hamada Maron's next show will be held on December 26 at Shimokitazawa Three.

Hamada Maron "kisetsu meguredo jazz ver." (CD+7")
浜田マロン 「季節巡れど jazz ver.」

7"
A. kisetsu meguredo jazz ver.
B. mirei Butterfly

CD
1. kisetsu meguredo jazz ver.
2. mirei Butterfly

Vivid Sound VSCD-7619
Out now (12/21), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Audio sampler

Nagoya-based new wave band Budo÷Grape has a brand new album out now! Included are 10 songs that have been pre-released digitally over the last few years, but also two new songs one of which features vocals by latest member, keyboardist 74÷Grape. This album follows the great "Amsterdam" released in 2014.

A show will be held at Imaike Tokuzo in Nagoya on December 23.

Budo Grape "oyatsu no kakushibasho"
ぶどう÷グレープ 「おやつの隠し場所」

1. unmei no Bus
2. zankoku na yasashisa
3. oyatsu no kakushibasho
4. jikansa ryoomoi
5. hakase ni sōdan
6. angō
7. Mind Museum
8. kyō no kare, ashita no watashi
9. shidoron modoron
10. GO! GO! TAICHI
11. kaidan gokko
12. 4321 hi o tsukero

Tokyo Mor MOR-6947
Out now (12/21), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"unmei no Bus"

Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove) has a new remix album out this week! All tracks from latest album "LUNATIQUE" were remixed by many of his close DJ friends, including Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, agraph, Hiroshi Watanabe (Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, InK), Sugiurumn, Westbam and more! The album is titled "EUQITANUL" but reads "gyaku Lunatique" (means "Lunatique backwards"), and the tracklist is accordingly in the backward order. Ha! Like the original album, the artwork was done by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune).

An event part of the "Lunatique Tour 2016" will be held on December 24 at Sound Museum Tokyo with Takkyu Ishino, Towa Tei, Hiroshi Watanabe aka Kaito, Sugiurumn, agraph, Yoshinori Sunahara, DJ Sodeyama, Gonno and A. Mochi. The party starts at 23:00.

Ishino Takkyu "EUQITANUL"
石野卓球 「EUQITANUL」

1. Dawn (Der Dritte Raum Remix)
2. Selene (Hiroshi Watanabe Remix)
3. Lunatique (WESTBAM Remix)
4. Amazones (A. Mochi Remix)
5. Die Boten Vom Mond (GONNO Remix)
6. Crescent Moon (DJ SODEYAMA Remix)
7. Fana-Tekk (agraph Remix)
8. Lunar Kick (SUGIURUMN Remix)
9. Fetish (Yoshinori Sunahara Remix)
10. Rapt In Fantasy (TOWA TEI Remix)

Ki/oon KSCL-2821
Out 12/21, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Uchoten, band formed in 1982 and led by Kera (Kera & The Synthesizers, No Lie-Sense), is back with a first full-length album in 26 years — their previous was "dekkachi" released in 1990 (though mini-album "lost and found" was released in 2015). Featured on the new album are all original members from that later period of the band. The album comes on 2 discs, both of which are said to be in a different style. All songs can be sampled on iTunes.

HMV gives away a promo clear folder (while supplies last).

Uchoten will play a show at Billboard Live Tokyo on January 7. Tickets are on sale.

Uchōten "Kafka's Rock/Nietzsche's Pop"
有頂天 「カフカズ・ロック/ニーチェズ・ポップ」

Disc 1 "Kafka's Rock"
1. Lucky san
2. Kafka's Dick
3. shiro
4. Chie no wa Present
5. 100nen
6. boseki to baikin
7. sekai
8. Chie no wa Breakout
9. monkey's report (aru gakkai hōkoku)

Disc 2 "Nietzsche's Pop"
1. yūrei tachi
2. natsukashisa no yukue
3. Locomotion
4. Not Departure
5. hako (eigō kaiki)
6. korekara no hito
7. Nietzsche's Moon

Nagomu Records / Solid Records CDSOL-1758
Out now (12/14), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Here's a first Kyary Pamyu Pamyu art book highlighting visual works by art director and designer Steve Nakamura. Approximately 300 works are included, covering her entire discography so far, as well as commentary by Steve and an interview of him with Kyary, with text in both Japanese and English! 2016 marks the 5th anniversary of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's career.

See sample pages at Amazon Japan.

A related exhibition titled "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Artwork Exhibition 2011-2016" is being held at La Foret Museum Harajuku until December 25. It's open daily from 11:00 to 21:00 (except last day until 18:00), and the entrance fee is 800yen. Check out the official page.

Steve Nakamura "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Artworks 2011-2016" (Book)
Steve Nakamura 「きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅアートワークス 2011-2016」

Format: B5 (240x170mm), 272 pages

Seibundō-Shinkōsha ISBN 978-4416716724
Out now (12/8), ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Synth and keyboard lovers should find it hard to resist to Emerson Kitamura! This new album of 6 songs is the follow up to "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)" (2014), and consists of more delectable instrumental pieces, mostly originals but also covers of Blood, Sweat & Tears' "Spinning Wheel" (1969) and Irving Berlin's "Remember" (1937). Check out the delightful video below, and see Emerson's YouTube account for recent live performances.

A live event will be held at Shimokitazawa fu-chi-ku-chi on January 20. A free in-store event will also be held at Tower Records Shibuya (6F) on Sunday January 15. Find his full schedule here.

Emerson Kitamura "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha"
エマーソン北村 「ロックンロールのはじまりは」

1. Rock'n Roll no hajimari wa
2. kaerimichi no hon
3. doko yuku no
4. Spinning Wheel
5. Remember
6. naka nikai

bubblingnotes KMCDA-007
Out now (12/14), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"kaerimichi no hon"

Negicco has a brand new single out this month! The brand new song "ai, kamashitai no" was written by Dōjima Kōhei, it's a catchy and fun pop track with a Shibuya-kei vibe. Check out the fun video below! The B-side is a new song by Negicco's main producer connie.

The single comes in 4 editions. Limited edition A comes with a bonus CD of a re-arranged version of "koi no Express Train" with newly recorded vocals, and also a code that lets download the title song's video clip. Limited edition B is a budget version with just the title song. The regular edition has both songs and instrumentals. Also lookout for the limited 7" edition.

Various in-store events will be held, including ones at Tower Mini Shiodome on Dec. 20 from 19:30, Tower Records Shibuya's Cutup Studio (B1F) on Dec. 21 from 19:00 (for those who bought the CD on or after release day at Tower Records Shibuya), Tower Records Kinshicho on Dec. 23 from 13:00 and another at Tower Mini Shiodome on Dec. 25 from 13:00. Check out details and their full schedule including upcoming shows here.

Negicco "ai, kamashitai no"
Negicco 「愛、かましたいの」

1. ai, kamashitai no
2. watashi o negi- ni tsuretette
3. ai, kamashitai no (inst)
4. watashi o negi- ni tsuretette (inst)

Bonus CD (Limited edition A only)
1. koi no EXPRESS TRAIN (Azusa ver.)

Limited edition A (CD + Bonus CD + Music video download code)
T-Palette Records TPRC-0167
Out 12/20, ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Limited edition B (one-track CD of title song only)
T-Palette Records TPRC-0169
Out 12/20, ¥463 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (Main CD only)
T-Palette Records TPRC-0170
Out 12/20, ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Limited 7" edition
T-Palette Records TPRV-0025
Out 12/20, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"ai, kamashitai no"

Nakano Aya's new single is a song featuring Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys! The song was written by Comoesta Yaegashi and Fukuhara Mari with lyrics by Paradise Yamamoto. The B-side is a cover of Etta James' "Seven Day Fool", and features Onose Masao (Crazy Ken Band) on guitar. That one was co-arranged by Comoesta Yaegashi and Arai Toshiya (Count Joke).

The release comes as a set of CD and 7" record. Also check out her latest album "Emerald In Paradise".

Upcoming shows of Nakano Aya include one at Rock Joint GB in Kichijoji on December 19, as well as "pay what you like" shows at Sangenjaya 32016 on December 14 and at Shibuya Roots on December 18 (entrance ¥500). Find all info on her live schedule.

Nakano Aya "Mambo Alc.0.00% feat. Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys" (CD+7")
なかの綾 「マンボノンアルコール（酔ったふりして、、、） feat. 東京パノラママンボボーイズ」
(Japanese title: "Mambo Non Alcohol (yotta furi shite,,,)")

CD
1. Mambo Alc.0.00% feat. Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys
2. Seven Day Fool
3. Mambo Alc.0.00% feat. Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys (Karaoke)
4. Seven Day Fool (Karaoke)

7"
A. Mambo Alc.0.00% feat. Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys
B. Seven Day Fool

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCCD-9580
Out 12/14, ¥1429 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

Especia has a brand new single out now! Both songs were written and produced by Kai Takahashi of Lucky Tapes.

A live show titled "Danger" featuring both Especia and Lucky Tapes will be held on January 9 at Shibuya WWW. Tickets are now on sale.

Especia "Danger"

1. Danger
2. Rainy Blues

Bermuda Entertainment BMEJ-0037
Out now (12/7), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"Danger"

Earlier this year rap idol group lyrical school made a sci-fi-themed movie that was shown in theaters in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, and has now just been released on Blu-ray and DVD. While working in a Tokyo record shop to make ends meet, the girls of lyrical school meet a strange creature from outer-space who wants to go back to its planet but lacks the energy to do so. They start planning to make a huge party in hope to gather that energy.

Directed by Demo Tanaka, the movie features many guests including rappers Ani (Scha Dara Parr), Bikke (Tokyo No.1 Soul Set), Zen-La-Rock and more.

Movie official site

lyrical school are currently on tour in Japan, to finish on December 29 at Zepp Tokyo. Check out tour details here.

lyrical school "lyrical school no michi to no sōgū" (Blu-ray/DVD)
「リリカルスクールの未知との遭遇」
(Japan, 2016, 75 minutes)

Blu-ray edition (Region free, NTSC)
King Records KIXF-437
Out now (12/7), ¥4800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

DVD edition (Region 2, NTSC)
King Records KIBF-1452
Out now (12/7), ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trailer

Here comes a 7" single of two songs from Okada Tohru's brand new album "Portraiture of T"! Included are "Aurora miru made nemurenai" featuring Shibata Satoko (vocals) and Yamamoto Seiichi (guitar), and "Muscat Coconut Banana Melon" featuring Ide Chiyono (3776). On the latter, Okada's vocal track is a version different than what's heard on the album.

Sample both songs at Jet Set.

Okada Tohru "Aurora miru made nemurenai c/w Muscat Coconut Banana Melon" (7")
岡田徹 「オーロラ見るまで眠れない / マスカット ココナッツ バナナ メロン」

A. Aurora miru made nemurenai feat. Shibata Satoko
AA. Muscat Coconut Banana Melon feat. Ide Chiyono

Solid SOLID-21
Out now (11/30), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon